ABSTRACT
The traditional leader depends on the force of tradition, or his interpretation of it, to establish his legitimacy as a ruler. Legitimacy refers to the public perception of the ruler’s right to his position of leadership and is not restricted to traditional leaders alone. The willingness of the populace to accept a particular leadership structure as right and defensible legitimizes the political process as it exists. Tradition is no substitute for effective policy, however, and it cannot protect an ineffective ruler forever.
